How computers store and retrieve data

Saving files in folders on the hard drive or in cloud storage, and opening them later

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
What is a file? A) A collection of data with a name B) A type of mouse C) A button on the keyboard D) A part of the screen
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2
What is a folder used for on a computer? A) To hold files and keep them organised B) To type words into C) To play sounds D) To show videos
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3
True or false? Saving a file means storing it so you can open it again later. A) True B) False
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4
Complete the sentence. To get a file back later, we ___ it.
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5
Match each storage type to its description. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Hard drive, USB stick, Cloud storage Right: Storage inside the computer, Small portable storage, Online storage you reach over the internet
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6
Which of these is cloud storage? A) Google Drive B) A USB stick C) A hard drive inside the computer D) A printer
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7
True or false? Cloud storage means your files are kept in a real cloud in the sky. A) True B) False
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8
Which storage is best if you want to share a file with another computer easily without internet? A) A USB stick B) The cloud C) The internal hard drive D) RAM
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9
Match each storage type to a key feature. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Internal hard drive, Cloud storage, USB stick, RAM Right: Permanent storage in the computer, Stored online, can be reached from any device, Portable, plug into different computers, Temporary memory used while running
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10
Which is NOT a sensible place to store important files? A) On the kitchen table B) On a USB stick C) On a hard drive D) In cloud storage
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Answer key

How computers store and retrieve data · for parents and teachers

1
A collection of data with a name
A file is a named collection of data, such as a document, picture or song.
2
To hold files and keep them organised
A folder is a container that holds files and helps keep them organised.
3
True
True. When you save a file, it is stored so you can open and read it later.
4
open
To get a file back, you open (retrieve) it from where it was saved.
5
Hard drive → Storage inside the computer; USB stick → Small portable storage; Cloud storage → Online storage you reach over the internet
Different storage types live in different places: inside the computer, on a portable device, or online.
6
Google Drive
Google Drive is cloud storage. Files are saved online on servers you reach over the internet.
7
False
False. Cloud storage means files are kept on servers (special computers), not in actual clouds.
8
A USB stick
A USB stick is small and portable. You can plug it into another computer without needing internet.
9
Internal hard drive → Permanent storage in the computer; Cloud storage → Stored online, can be reached from any device; USB stick → Portable, plug into different computers; RAM → Temporary memory used while running
Different types of storage have different jobs and features.
10
On the kitchen table
Files need digital storage like a hard drive, USB or cloud.